The Perfect Print Ready File

Barb here…As Production Manager for Custom Direct, my department prides itself on delivering perfect print ready files. Every printer we have dealt with has complimented our files, even newer printers we are using on our client’s behalf praise our files. My question to them is, as applications have advanced and processes have changed, why are you still getting bad files? So to better help you prepare your files, be they for your advertising/design agency or the printer, here are some ways to get perfect print ready files.

1. Convert all images to CMYK. Most printing presses run using CMYK inks. Because RGB has a wider spectrum of color, if you convert your images early on, you won’t be surprised at color quality when the images become CMYK at the print end.
2. Convert all colors to process. Unless you are specifically printing with a pantone color, or multiple pantones, make sure you convert your colors to process to eliminate any guesswork on the print end.
3. Make sure all images are at least 300dpi. To ensure the best quality for your brochure, catalog or whatever type of printed piece you are using, Hires images are an absolute necessity.
4. If you are using InDesign and packaging the files, or Quark and collecting the files, make sure that all components are included. Double check this. Many times we have received files where fonts are missing or a linked image is missing. The same also applies to Illustrator files.
5. If you are delivering a locked PDF to your printer (either PDFX1-A or ripped specifically for the printer using their specifications) make sure that it has been set up properly.
6. Most importantly, Communicate. If you don’t understand what it is that the printer or agency wants, ask questions. If they are anything like us, they will be more than willing to help educate you, so you can set up perfect files and not incur any additional costs

Good Luck in creating your next Perfect Print Ready File!